Ray Price Not Dead, But ‘Fading Rapidly’

Reports of Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price's death are premature, as the singer's wife shared that he is "still with us" in a message posted a few minutes after 4PM CT on Sunday (Dec. 15).

"At this time our lovable Ray Price is still with us. When it is the time there will be a official statement of Bill Mack," a post on Janie Price's Facebook page reads. It's the same page listed as an administrator of Ray Price's official Facebook page.

Bill Mack is a country deejay and Radio Hall of Famer who is a close friend of the Prices. On Sunday afternoon, he also indicated that Price is still alive, although he added that the 'Crazy Arms' singer is "fading rapidly."

"Several posts have been placed on Facebook ... and other sources that Ray Price has died," Mack says. "Janie and the family have again notified me that Ray is fading rapidly, according to the doctors in charge, but has not passed away. Just hang in with your prayers for Ray's family."

Just after 7PM central time, Mack issued the following update via Facebook:

"As of 7:00PM, the great Ray Price is still with us, although obviously fading from the cancer. This was verified by Janie Price less than an hour ago (6:00PM, Central). Just wanted to release this "update" because so many of you have issued your concerns. Thank you! It's been a long day since Janie called me this morning notifying me of his "failing condition", but I've had the opportunity to observe hundreds of caring, loving messages. What a deserving compliment to Ray."

Added Mack, "Spoke with Willie Nelson. As he said, 'I'll bet Ray is laughing ... although he's a bit sleepy!'"

The deejay wants fans to not feel foolish about sharing the false news of Price's death, as it was reported as fact by multiple major news outlets. "It is very normal to forward or post such news," Mack explains. "It was just another bit of evidence that you love Ray and his music! Thank you for that love and concern! Janie and the family are grateful for your precious concern."

Price went into home hospice on Thursday after spending most of December in the hospital facing complications from pancreatic cancer. The 87-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer has been battling cancer for over two years.